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Police: Evidence in York City shooting case found in victim's underpants

By LIZ EVANS SCOLFORO

505-5429/@ydcrimetime

Posted:
08/17/2014 09:35:52 PM EDT

Updated:
08/18/2014 09:40:01 AM EDT

A York City felon's undershorts helped investigators determine that while he was the victim of a shooting, it wasn't at the hands of another, according to charging documents.

York City Police were called to the 400 block of Juniper Street about 8:15 p.m. July 22 for a reported shooting, but found no victim.

They did find bloody pants belonging to Trae Hernandez Gonzalez, which had been left on the steps of a home in the block, according to charging documents.

Officers also found a Hi-Point C9 9mm handgun hidden under a ceramic block in the back yard of another home in the block, documents state.

Seen limping away: A witness reported seeing Gonzalez limping toward his home immediately after the gunfire, according to charging documents.

Gonzalez was taken to York Hospital in a private vehicle, where he was treated for a gunshot wound to his upper right thigh, documents state.

The wound was not life-threatening, according to York City Police Capt. Tim Utley.

Investigators learned Gonzalez was shot near his crotch and that the bullet went straight down and lodged in his knee, Utley said.

The pants recovered at the shooting scene had blood stains on the upper right pants leg, but no bullet hole, according to charging documents. Gunshot residue was found on the inside of that pants leg, police said.

Underwear seized: Officers seized Gonzalez's underwear and athletic shorts from York Hospital, both of which had corresponding bullet holes in the upper right thigh area, documents state.

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Police believe Gonzalez had the gun tucked into his waistband when it accidentally went off, according to Utley.

"It seems to be the popular way for people to carry a gun, tucked into their pants unholstered," he said. "They end up shooting themselves. We've had several of those in recent years."

Convicted felon: State law forbids Gonzalez to possess firearms because he is a convicted felon.

He became a felon in 2011 when he pleaded guilty in York County Court to carrying a firearm without a license and carrying a firearm with an altered or obliterated serial number, according to court records.

Court records reveal he still owes about $1,500 in overdue court costs in the case.

Gonzalez, 22, of 207 Jefferson Ave., remains in York County Prison on $250,000 bail, charged with illegal firearm possession and carrying a firearm without a license. Both offenses are felonies.

His preliminary hearing is scheduled for Sept. 25. It is unclear if he's retained an attorney.